Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare warns that unchecked partisanship is the largest threat to Ghana’s progress, surpassing historical adversities. He argues that it undermines national unity and institutional integrity, urging citizens to prioritize national interests over party loyalty. He outlines necessary reforms and emphasizes patriotism as essential for overcoming partisanship.
Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, known as Kwaku Azar, asserts that unchecked partisanship is Ghana’s foremost hurdle to progress, overtaking previous challenges such as colonialism and military coups. In his remarks on Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, he highlighted the resilience of Ghanaians against historical adversities but warned that deep-seated political divisions now threaten national unity and institutional integrity.
Kwaku Azar contends that partisanship prioritizes party loyalty above national interest, rendering the political landscape a battleground for dominance rather than development. He stated, “We have become more loyal to parties than to our country. In doing so, we have weakened our democracy, compromised our future, and betrayed the very independence our forebears fought for.”
He expressed concern that corruption is increasingly justified based on political allegiance. Partisanship’s detrimental effects are apparent in various institutions: the judiciary is swayed by politics, media outlets serve party propaganda rather than public information, and civil service positions focus on party loyalty over merit. Additionally, parliamentary debates have devolved into partisan defense mechanisms that impede national growth.
Kwaku Azar emphasized the fragmentation of student activism, once a unifying force, highlighting the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) as now deeply divided along political lines. He noted that the cycle of abandoning previous government projects hampers progress, alongside the awarding of state contracts and jobs based on political affiliation rather than merit.
To address these challenges, he urged citizens to unify under a singular identity, advocating for a country-first mentality. Key recommendations included:
1. Evaluating policies based on merit, independent of party affiliation.
2. Encouraging integrity over loyalty by promoting leadership based on capabilities.
3. Insulating institutions like the judiciary and civil service from political interference.
4. Reforming the judiciary to restore public confidence.
5. Holding public officials accountable for corruption, irrespective of political ties.
6. Utilizing power to uplift citizens instead of consolidating authority.
Kwaku Azar concluded with a rallying cry: “History will judge us not by how fiercely we defended our parties, but by how boldly we defended our nation.” He reiterated that past victories hinged on patriotism, which should serve as a powerful antidote to partisanship today. He stressed, “We have proven before that when we stand together for a cause greater than ourselves, we win. The choice is ours. The time is now.”
In summary, Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare highlights the detrimental impact of partisanship on Ghana’s development, stressing the need for national unity and merit-based governance. He calls for a collective effort to prioritize the nation’s interests over political allegiance, advocating for institutional reforms and accountability. His impassioned message serves as a reminder of the importance of patriotism in overcoming the challenges of partisanship and fostering a more progressive Ghana.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
